Through interactive lectures and panel discussions, this course will provide an in-depth look at the most common inherited heart diseases and how our patient’s genetic architecture impacts their response to medical therapies. As our knowledge of veterinary genetics continues to expand, understanding how to incorporate genetic testing and counseling into veterinary cardiology case evaluations and therapeutic management grows more important. Our speakers will address mitral valve degeneration, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, drug resistance, and the interface between each of these topics and canine and feline genetics. The content will focus on a current understanding of genetic etiology of disease and the practical application of this knowledge in the clinic.

Veterinary genetics is a fast-moving field and course participants will leave with the most current knowledge and the ability to critically evaluate future discoveries.

1. Be able to describe the role of genetic testing in veterinary cardiology practice.

2. Interpret genetic test results and recall the relevant literature that informs disease prognosis and management.

3. Identify the role of pharmacogenetics and how knowledge of pharmacogenetics can impact case management.

4. Understand the variety of mechanisms by which experts in the field are utilizing genetics in practicing veterinary cardiology.